Follow these steps to bring a little bit of my family’s kitchen into yours:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang to easily lift the bars out later.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, softened butter, granulated sugar, and salt. Mix until crumbly. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
3. Bake the crust for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden. As the crust bakes, take a moment to savor the aroma—it’s a scent that always brings me back to simpler times.
4. In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy and well combined.
5. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the warm crust. This step always reminds me of Mama Lou’s gentle touch, spreading warmth and love in everything she did.
6. In a small saucepan, combine the blueberries, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the mixture thickens and the blueberries start to break down slightly.
7. Pour the blueberry mixture over the cream cheese layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
8. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are set. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out and slicing into squares.